Environment Protection Authority

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is a statutory position occupied by a public servant. The EPA was established by the Environment Protection Act 1997

Powers of the EPA

The following are some of the statutory powers of the EPA.

The issue of Environmental Authorisations for activities such as:

• commercial incineration;
• commercial landfill;
• sewage treatment;
• motor sports;
• commercial use of pest chemicals; and
• regulating assessment and remediation of contaminated sites.

The making of Environmental Protection Agreements in relation to an activity with the person who is conducting, or proposing to conduct, activities such as:

• major land development or construction activities;
• growing, harvesting and managing forests;
• the production of concrete or concrete products;
• the preservation of wood materials for commercial purposes using chemicals; and
• the manufacture of things in furnaces or kilns.

The enforcement of the Act. If individuals or businesses fail to meet their obligations under the Act, they may be subject to a number of measures. These include:

• on the spot fines;
• environment protection orders (which may require an action to stop the pollution, or minimise the harm caused); or
• prosecution.

Review of Decisions

Under the Environment Protection Act 1997, most decisions of the EPA, such as the granting of Environmental Authorisations, may be reviewed by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) .

Access to Information

Many documents kept by the EPA, such as environmental agreements and authorisations, are public documents which may be viewed on request, at no cost. These may be viewed at the Environment Protection Authority Office, Macarthur House, 12 Wattle Street, Lyneham ACT.

For more information contact the Environment Protection Authority by calling Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.